Studded Tire Regulations by Province

Each Province (and State) have their own studded winter tire laws. Many areas restrict the use of studded winter tires to specific time periods and limit their use depending on gross vevicle weight. We have included a guide to help you understanding of the rules by province. Since these can frequently change, and many provinces and territroies have limits of size, composition and quantity of studs, we recommend confirming with current local regulations before choosing to use studded winter tires in your area.

Province/Territory

Dates Permitted

Comments

Alberta

No restrictions on use of studded tires.

British Columbia

Studded tires permitted between October 1st and April 30th

Studs no higher that 3.5mm. Number of studs per tire varies by gross vehicle weight. For more information see official site.

Some stud specifications apply. For more information, see official site.

Manitoba

Studded tires permitted between October 1st and April 30th.

Some stud specifications apply. For more information see official site.

Northwest Territories

No restrictions on use of studded tires.

Nunavut

No restrictions on use of studded tires.

Ontario

Between September 1st and May 31th.

Vehicles registered in Northern Ontario (North of Perry Sound and Nipissing Districts). Stud size and quantity restrictions apply. Visitors allowed for 30 days. For more information see official site.

P.E.I.

Studded tires permitted between October 1st and May 31st.

Quebec

Studded tires permitted between October 15th and May 1st.

A Vehicle whose total loaded mass does not exceed 3000kg. Other restrictions apply, see official site for more information.

Saskatchewan

No restrictions on use of studded tires.

Yukon

No restrictions on use of studded tires.

Driving in the US with studded winter tires

Every state has different rules for driving with studded winter tires. Some states prohibit the use of studded winter tires, most have seasonal limitations. Many states that prohibit, or seasonally limit the use of studs do not allow exceptions for non-residents who are passing through or visiting. If you are caught in a state that prohibits the use of studded winter tires, you may face fines, penalties or other legal problems. Please be sure to check with current laws in each state or province before travelling with studded winter tires on your vehicle.